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$1.1 million raised at The Ottawa Hospital’s RIDE for Research

SEPTEMBER 9, OTTAWA, ON – Pedal power took over the nation’s capital on Sunday, as hundreds of cyclists came together to support leading edge research at The Ottawa Hospital. 700 inspired cyclists helped to raise over $1.1 million at the ninth edition of THE RIDE.

Notably joining THE RIDE this year and the Deloitte team was cycling Olympian Curt Harnett. The three-time Olympic medalist added to the level of excitement on Sunday. But it was the cause that fueled the cyclists. Fundraising through THE RIDE will provide vital money to researchers at The Ottawa Hospital who are investigating every major disease and helping to re-shape health care not only in our community but around the globe.

Tim Kluke, President and CEO of The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, says it’s that motivation to advance research, which makes THE RIDE such an incredible community success. “Teams coming together make up a major part of this event, both community and corporate teams. This year, one of our newest teams was the Cancer Crusaders. This team was made up of those from our community wanting to be a part of something big to help find a cure for cancer at The Ottawa Hospital. It was a great example of what THE RIDE is all about.”

Mattamy Homes division president Kevin O’Shea was thrilled with the energy at this year’s event. “Our Mattamy Homes team loves this phenomenal cycling experience. THE RIDE is a great mix for our employees to promote healthy living through cycling, to give back to the most important health care hub in our region and to have a tremendous time with friends and neighbours.”

For longtime RIDE participant, Marcel Néron, this was an emotional day for him and his team #youarenotalone. He was riding for the first time without his son, Alex, who passed away from colon cancer in January. “I was determined to keep doing this for people who are going through the same thing as Alex did. People need hope and what better way to give them hope then to raise money for research."

Months of training and cycling came together as riders participated in a 50 kilometre closed road loop along the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway and another group of riders powered through a 117 kilometre adventure through Kanata North, Carp and Dunrobin. All participants came together at Tunney’s Pasture for THE RIDE celebration barbecue. It was at that time, Virtual Ride participants were recognized for their efforts in fundraising as well.

The Ottawa Hospital is one of Canada’s largest learning and research hospitals, with more than 1,200 beds, approximately 12,000 staff members and an annual budget of about $1.2 billion.

Our focus on learning and research helps us develop new and innovative ways to treat patients and improve care. As a multi-campus hospital affiliated with the University of Ottawa, we deliver specialized care to the Eastern Ontario region, but our techniques and research discoveries are adopted around the world. We engage the community at all levels to support our vision for better patient care.

From the compassion of our people to the relentless pursuit of new discoveries, The Ottawa Hospital never stops seeking solutions to the most complex health-care challenges. For more information about The Ottawa Hospital, visit ohfoundation.ca.